KATHMANDU: The Government of Nepal, through the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, has set a target to increase the nation’s total installed electricity capacity to 5,335 MW in the upcoming fiscal year by adding 1,040 MW of hydropower.

To achieve this, the government plans to expedite under-construction projects, facilitate private-sector initiatives, and significantly expand the power transmission infrastructure, aiming to extend 66 kV lines to 7,808 circuit kilometers and 33 kV lines to 8,429 circuit kilometers.

Additionally, the annual development program aims to raise per capita electricity consumption to 511 kWh, limit electricity leakage to 12.03%, add 43 MW from micro-hydro and 99 MW from solar energy, and expand irrigation facilities to an extra 15,776 hectares of land.

By completing 12 key transmission line projects, including a crucial line through the Kathmandu Valley, the ministry expects to streamline domestic power distribution, boost regional economic development, and foster industrialization, flood control, environmental protection and job creation.